Trump Signs Order Delaying Enforcement Of TikTok Ban In U.S.
President Donald Trump, in one of his earliest official decisions, signed an executive order on Monday following his inauguration, directing the Justice Department to pause enforcement of a TikTok ban.
The 75-day order seems aimed at securing the platform's future in the United States, reversing legislation signed by now-former President Joe Biden just a day before Trump assumed office.
“In one of his first actions in office, Trump is prioritizing saving a platform that he says has been friendly to him,” reported Axios.
According to the outlet, “during the 75 days, the Department of Justice is directed to take no action to enforce the law or impose any penalties against any entity for any noncompliance with the law, the executive order says.”
Speaking to reporters Monday night from the Oval Office, Trump suggested a potential deal in which the United States could claim a 50% stake in TikTok, while the platform retains the other half, describing it as “one of many ideas.”
“If I do the deal for the United States, then I think we should get half. I think the U.S. should be entitled to get half of TikTok, and congratulations; TikTok has a good partner,” Trump said of the Chinese-owned app.
Regarding private U.S. companies, Trump remarked, “Every rich person has called me about TikTok,” addressing its uncertain future.
Trump warned that if China failed to approve the arrangement, it could be seen as “somewhat of a hostile act,” adding that his administration could implement tariffs on China if it obstructed a “good deal.”
To meet the legal criteria for divestiture, Trump would need to collaborate with relevant government bodies to ensure TikTok is no longer under Chinese control, as Axios noted. This would require assurances that China relinquishes any control over TikTok’s algorithms or data-sharing capabilities.
The legislation signed by Biden explicitly prohibits any Chinese involvement with TikTok, even through agreements with American entities. The law also mandates that Trump certify to Congress that “significant progress” has been made toward completing the divestiture, with “binding legal agreements” in place for the sale during the extension period.
In other administration news, the Senate confirmed Trump’s first Cabinet member Monday evening with a unanimous 99-0 vote. Marco Rubio, a former senator from Florida, was approved as the next secretary of state.
Rubio is expected to play a central role in addressing Trump’s key campaign promises, such as ending the Ukraine conflict, countering China’s growing influence, and brokering a ceasefire in Gaza.
The 53-year-old Floridian has served in the Senate since 2011. A presidential candidate in 2016, Rubio eventually withdrew to support Trump and was later considered for the vice presidency in 2024.
Known for his strong stance on China, Rubio opposes reestablishing ties with Communist Cuba, his parents’ birthplace.
One of the most pressing foreign policy challenges for the Trump administration will be handling Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, which enters its fourth year next month.
Overall, Trump is set to issue over 200 executive actions in his initial wave of policy changes. These include measures on energy, border security, reducing the cost of living for American families, eliminating DEI programs across federal agencies, and more.
“The president is issuing a historic series of executive orders and actions that will fundamentally reform the American government, including the complete and total restoration of American sovereignty,” an official shared with Fox News.